‘All over the place’ – Neville slams Chelsea defence after 2-1 defeat at Arsenal

Former Manchester United star Gary Neville said Chelsea’s defence was ‘all over the place’ in their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. 

Chelsea made a thrilling start to the away encounter, with Morgan Rogers opening the scoring inside the second minute. 

The Gunners levelled in the 25th minute, with Kai Havertz drilling a low shot beyond goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. 

Martin Odegaard added another early in the second half, and Arsenal went on to seal an excellent 2-1 success. 

Chelsea have now conceded seven goals in their opening three games this season. 

Neville suggested the Blues may need to bring in more quality defenders to reach a new level.

He told the Gary Neville Podcast: “The back three, when I watch them, it’s almost like their legs aren’t connected to their hips and the hips aren’t connected to their bodies.

“It’s almost like they’re a bit all over the place. 

“Maybe Chelsea will need to actually recruit more players as they move on through the next year or two with Xabi Alonso.”

Chelsea were tipped to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title following a promising start to the new season. 

They beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage before edging Brighton & Hove Albion in a seven-goal thriller at home.

When Rogers put them ahead with a stylish volley on Sunday, a victory against title favourites Arsenal looked on the cards. 

The Gunners soon started exposing Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities. Havertz and Odegaard beat Martinez in goal to help their side maintain a perfect start to the campaign. 

Despite William Saliba’s absence through injury, Arsenal largely held the Blues’ attack in check. 

Sunday’s defeat shows that Alonso’s men are not ready to challenge for the title just yet.